|
My new book: The Longest Trip Home
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I'm a little superstitious when it comes to my writing, preferring not to talk about projects until they are finished lest I somehow jinx them and they never get done at all, leaving me with egg on my face. Which is another way of saying that, even though I barely mentioned it on this blog or anywhere else, I have been very, very busy for the past 15 months.
I've been busy writing my next book, which is titled The Longest Trip Home. And now I am happy -- overjoyed! -- to talk about it because it is completed and in the able hands of my North American publisher William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, and in the equally able hands of my United Kingdom publisher, Hodder and Stoughton. The book is scheduled for release in the U.S. and Canada October 21 -- less than four months away! -- and shortly after in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Longest Trip Home is the story I knew even before Marley & Me came out was the one I wanted to tell next, the one bubbling up inside me, trying to get out. Once again, I found my inspiration in the true story of my own life. Already, it is being dubbed a "prequel" to Marley & Me, and in a sense it is because it tells the story that came first. Before there was Marley, there was a gleefully mischievous little boy -- that would be me -- growing up in a warm and loving but comically over-the-top Catholic family. We had crucifixes and Virgin Mary statues in every room of the house, holy water in the medicine cabinet, and rosaries on every bedstand. We even took family vacations to religious miracle sites. The more I tried to meet my devout parents' expectations and be a good Catholic boy, the more things seemed to go awry. Sometimes in very big ways. Yes, I now know I was responsible for more than a few of their gray hairs.
But the book is not just a childhood memoir. It is a story of growing up, and then of breaking away as a young adult to stake out my own orbit in this universe. And finally, it is a story of finding the way back home again before it is too late.
The William Morrow press release announcing the October 21 publication date described "The Longest Trip Home" this way:
"Written with the same trademark blend of humor and pathos that was embraced by millions worldwide in his beloved Marley & Me, John Grogan traces the universal journey we all take as sons and daughters to find our place in the world. It is the powerful, often hilarious story of a son in the making, and of growing up in a loving, but comically old-school Catholic family. From his troublemaking childhood to his courtship of a fiery blond named Jenny, Grogan writes about how he came to terms with who he is and what he believes."
The publisher's announcement predicts that The Longest Trip Home "will resonate across generations, from those beginning life’s voyage, to those facing journey’s end, and especially those in between." And I sure hope they're right. I do know that whenever I talk about the life voyages we make as sons and daughters, parents and children, and husbands and wives, everyone has a story to share, and many of the passages are surprisingly similar, at once funny and painful and heartfelt. Once the book is out, I look forward to the dialogue with readers that is sure to follow. That's my favorite part of writing books -- the back and forth and honest conversation with readers who can relate my experience to their own.
Now that my book is done and racing toward its October 21 publication date, you will hear me talking a lot more about it. This is a story that means a great deal to me personally, and one that I am very proud of. I can't wait to share it with each of you.
And before signing off, let me invite each of you to sign up for the HarperCollins Author Tracker service, which will keep you in the loop, by email, on the new book and my public appearances, as well as all things Marley. You can sign up by typing your email address in the little window at the bottom of my marleyandme.com home page. That's all there is to it.
Over and out for now.
*******
From The Associated Press on June 24:
New book coming from `Marley & Me' author
NEW YORK (AP) — "Marley & Me" author John Grogan is working on a prequel to the million-selling memoir about his dog.
"The Longest Trip Home" will be released in October by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, the publisher said in a statement Tuesday.
"It is the powerful, often hilarious story of a son in the making, and of growing up in a loving, but comically old-school Catholic family," said the statement issued by Morrow. "From his troublemaking childhood to his courtship of a fiery blonde named Jenny, Grogan writes about how he came to terms with who he is and what he believes."
"Even before `Marley & Me' was published, I knew this was the story I wanted to tell next," Grogan, 51, said in a statement. "`The Longest Trip Home' is a story very close to my heart."
A film version of "Marley & Me," starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, is slated for release in December.
From Publisher's Weekly:
William Morrow Announces New Grogan Memoir
By Rachel Deahl -- Publishers Weekly, 6/24/2008 9:57:00 AM
Before he was the owner of a lovable Lab named Marley, John Grogan was a trouble-making teen in a traditional Catholic family. Those formative years are the subject of the newspaper columnist's new memoir, The Longest Trip Home. Publisher William Morrow, which announced the book today, dubbed the title a "prequel" to Grogan's smash hit about the family dog (Marley & Me); Longest Trip is scheduled for an international laydown on October 21, 2008.
Morrow acquired North American rights from Laurie Abkemeier in association with DeFiore and Company. Speaking to the book, one which Grogan said he always intended to do after Marley & Me, Morrow executive editor Mauro DiPreta said it's a "rich, funny and moving reading experience that touches on themes that are close to all of us: love, family, faith and identity."
According to HarperCollins there are nearly 4 million copies of Marley & Me in print. And, given the successful adaptations the book has spawned in the children's market—a picture book and a middle grade title—the publisher plans to synchronize publicity for The Longest Trip Home with the September-slated A Very Marley Christmas. The push of both books will lead up to the Christmas Day release of the film version of Marley & Me, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.
posted by John Grogan at 9:16 AM
 
47 Comments:
<< Home
Previous Posts
|
|
|
Oh John, I have just finished reading Marley & Me - what a remarkable dog, story, writer and guy you are. I remember the book when it was in all the bestseller lists, but to be honest, not being 'doggy person' didnt think it would appeal to me. Well a few months down the road and now I've read it, and thank God I did! Marley and You really touched my heart. I am going out to buy the childrens version of the book tomorrow for my son, as I have been going on non-stop about Marley to him.
I cannot wait for your new book to come out here in England, your writing has really inspired me. Thank you John. Samantha
Whoo hoo!! I can't wait to read it. I'm Catholic and while reading Marley & Me I kept waiting for the story about your faith and family (when you mentioned being Irish I knew there was a Catholic tie there). Now I'll get to read about it. And I agree, I'm sure it will resonate with us, just as your story with Marley did.
Congratulations on having this other project finished!!
I cannot wait. The new book in October and the Marley movie in December. What a wonderful year for you - and us!
I have one chapter left in Marley and Me. I bought it only a few days ago!
Not only did I get to discover and fall in love with Marley, I fell in love with reading again.
Marley Lives!
How wonderful to know that you have another book coming out!
You shared so much of yourself and your family in Marley and Me, it will be fun to get to know you even more in "The Longest Trip Home". I am sure many of us will be able to identify with your lifes journey.
Congratulations!!
Joyce
Dear Mr. Grogan,
My name is Lydia McCarty. I am thirteen. I just got done reading "Marley and Me". I really connected with the book since I have a dog of my own who means the world to me. I have had him since I was three. I cried at the end of the book. It really touched me and believe it or not that book has had a huge impact on my life. Because of "Marley and Me" I now look at things a different way. I appreciate the small things in life that many people overlook or do not think much about. Thank you so much for writing that book! Mr. Grogan it would mean the world to me if you would contact me. I would appreciate it SO MUCH! More than you know! My email address is : lydia_mccarty@hotmail.com
Please give all my love to Jenny and your three kids. You have no idea how much of an impact your book has made on this crazy, immature eighth grader.
Thank you and I am really looking forward to reading "The Longes Trip Home".
Sincerely,
Lydia McCarty
I'm looking forward to your next book.
I just finished Bad Dogs Have More Fun. Thank you for bring a little bit of "home" to Florida.
I was born in Abington and spent my teen years in Hatboro. Seeing the stories from those towns helped this "homesick" ex-pat feel a little bit less so.
Best wishes to your new pup. Hope you make it through. ;-)
Dee
Looking forward to the new book, hopefully publication in the UK will be not be delayed too long after the USA launch. I too am a Catholic so it will be interesting to read your story of growing up in an Irish Catholic family, I do hope St Shaun gets a mention.
Joan
Liverpool
UK
Hi John,
I just want to tell you how much I love your book. I just finished reading it and I have to tell you that my husband and I totally relate to your story. We have to dogs a yellow lab (harley) and a weimaraner (beamer). It can really get crazy around here. Your story really made us realize that there are far more good memories than repair and vet bills. My husband didn't really read the book but I was keeping him updated on Marley and his adventures. The last thing my husband asked about Marley was "So he (Marley)never calmed down as he grew older" I said "No" and he just sighed. I thought that was funny because he is the first to try to reason with the dogs and make excuses for them when they get in trouble. I can't wait to see the movie although, I have mixed feelings about whether I want to go through that emotional roller coaster. Your book had me laughing out loud and at times sobbing uncontrollably. As a Dog lover you know that saying good bye to your pals is inevitable, but it is still hard to accept. Well thanks for letting us know that we are not the only ones out there with remarkable, one of a kind, full of life pets.
Lily
Hello, Mr Grogan!
I finally read "Marley & Me". I usually avoid reading "dog books" because of the inevitable heartbreak at the end... but this one was highly recommended by my Mother, the best judge of books and movies that i know. So i finally overcame my reluctance, and i'm glad i did. It's a fine book. It definitely has an Irish storytelling flavor to it, similar to Frank McCourt.
Yesterday, i read through the book's Web site, then the blog, comments and reviews on Amazon. Even i, an Internet veteran, was shocked by the rudeness of the negative reviews. Sorry about that. The Internet Animal is often clueless about the unplugged life.
Keep writing. I'll be looking for the next book.
I just finished Marley & Me, I laughed and cried, I'm still crying. Remembering my dog Muggsy.
Dear Mr. Grogan,
I'm Chaitrali,i live in India. I am an avid reader since i was 11.I read all kinds of books i could lay my hands on.From libraries and book shops and friends and everywhere.That habit hasnt gone even today.
Now i am seventeen and last week when i was just going through books in a shop,i saw Marley & me. I love dogs and i have my own cocker spainel (Cindy). My sister has four and we both love our dogs more than anyone in this world. Once i started i couldnt put down the book.Marley so reminded me of my own ones.And i must tell you that Marley & me made an impact on me which no other book ever did.It totally changed my life. By the end of the book i was crying so much that i couldnt stop. My parents were very against letting me have a dog of my own but today even they love Cindy so much. I must tell you she is very like Marley. Whenever i see her doing any mischief i remember Marley. Your book made me laugh , cry and taught me to look at things in a different way. I cant find words to thank you enough.
Thank you once again for letting me into Yours and Marley's world.
I would so appreciate it if you would write to me on my email id - tchaitu91@yahoo.co.in
I am looking forward to The Longest Trip Home.. My regards to everyone in your family.
Chaitrali
This post has been removed by the author.
Hello Mr. Grogan! Finaly someone feeling what I feel!!! I'm reading your book Marley and Me to first time. The book cames here in Brazil now do you believe? I looooove dogs too and when I'm reading your book I forget the world! Never book do this with me! I'm so happy to contact to you and I would like to congratulations for your book! I am reading the part of Marley knowing a pit bull on the beach! When I finish to read I will come back and I will say what I think of the and the book. I'm sorry for my English, I’m learning the language yet!
Hello :) I'm Laura, I'm 16 and I live in England.
I finished reading Marley&me the night before yesterday and at the end I found myself crying so much.
the book reminded me of my dog Corti (weird name i know,but i named her when I was 3)
she was a rotweiler and she also had really bad back legs and hips and we frequently had to help her get up towards the end because she just couldn't do it.
we too had to put her to sleep, only 2 weeks ago and I miss her so much but I know she will never be in pain again.
I will always remember that day and I know she wanted to go because when the vet had his hand on her leg about to put the injection in, she turned her head and began licking his hand. I think she was saying thankyou for trying to help her and for letting her go.
On that last day she was unable to walk, although she tried. She was in a lot of pain and I don't think she could feel her legs.
For the last 2 days of her life I sat with her by her bed for the whole day to make sure she wasn't lonely and because I could tell we wouldn't have her for much longer.
She would have been 13 on the 1st of July but died on the 18th of June. My earliest memory is from when we went to choose her and I was being chased around a coffee table by a herd of crazy rotweiler puppies. We chose Corti because she ran up to my mum and began chewing her shoelace. My second earliest memory is when I named her, my mum thinks I was attempting to say Courtney. But Corti was better because we called her naughty Corti as she was always up to no good.
It's so weird not having her because for me she has always been there and now I have to go on without her.
We collected her ashes yesterday and we are going to put her with my little brother at the crematorium.
They were a double act. My brother Ben used to hide the car or door keys underneath Corti's stomach, and she would sit there looking innocent. My mum would run around frantically trying to find them before we were late for school, and they were always under Corti
I have so many amazing memories with her, too many to write down.
I hope you get to read this as I know you get a lot of stories to read, but if you do I wanted to say thankyou for writing Marley&Me and showing people that a dog isn't "just a dog", it's a best friend who will always be there.
I just finished your book Marley & Me. I know most people say they couldn't put it down, but for me I read it over the course of maybe 2-3 months. I'm usually not a big reader I tend to be more interested in film. But after my mom finished it she told me I had to read it. I was pretty hesitant at first, I love dogs and everything, but i still didn't think reading it was worth my time. As soon as I started though I fell inlove with Marley and your whole family. And to be honest I started limiting myself to one chapter every few days just so I could keep Marley alive longer. Part of me didn't want to finish the book because i knew how it was gonna end and reading the novel made it feel like I was living with Marley, he brought back many memories of my favorite dog Jed who unfortunately passed on my mom's birthday a few years ago. I now have a 5 year old Australian Shepherd named Sasha whom i love but i don't think she'll every quite be able to replace Jed but I'm also hoping to get a Lab soon, if my dad will let me *fingers crossed* But i guess I just wanted to thank you more than anything for helping me to remember all the good times, and really helping me to understand what's good in life. So thank you so much for writing that book, I look forward to the next one that i will DEFINETLY read without hesitation. And i can't wait for the movie either.
Thank you so much.
Dear Mr. Grogan: what a pleasure to read your book. I devoured the beginning of the book and as I came to the ending I can't hardly read a page at a time. I can't stop crying just thinking of the end. I have a dog myself and she is my best companion. Thinking of what will happen when she gets older makes me sad and reading your book nakes me enjoy every experience I have with her. I am excited that you wrote a new book. I will be aloyal fan of your writing. Thank you for allowing us to know about Marley and your family adventures.
Kathleen Zaldivar
Davie, Florida
This post has been removed by the author.
Hey, John!
I so happy to know that your new book is done!
Just today I was talking to my mom about books and I said "I'm waiting for John Grogan's new book; I have no idea what it is about, but I know I wanna read it!"
And it's true! I love reading this blog and Marley and me is by far the most amazing book I've ever read!
Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself because it's actually the second time that I'm posting here :P so it's like you already know me! But you probably won't remember because there are so many people here, but in a nutsheel: My name is Giovana, I'm 18 (but I'll turn 19 next month, yay!!), I'm from Brazil and I have a poodle named Maggie... we grew up together and she means the world to me! And we've been even more close since your book!
Well, can't wait to read more of your stories! I grew up in a catholic family too, so one more time I'm gonna see myself on your book! Marley and me touched me deep in my heart and I only have to thank for that! And thanks in advance for your upcomming book!
Congratulations!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story in Marley and Me. My husband and I also suffered a miscarriage at 10 weeks and we too had a Marley ( great dane) that died of bloat as well and the emotions I felt while reading your book were of joy, laughter and sorrow and ache and anger and the fraility of life and hope in life. thanks so much
tami girens
www.houseofdanes.blogspot.com
Hello,
I'm a 17 year old high school student who is going into grade 12.
During this past school year in our grade 11 english class, our teacher would read a few pages of Marley & Me to us everyday. I enjoyed the book so much that I was actually looking forward to going to class. Eventually I went out and bought a copy of my own. I was reading ahead every night about what would happen next. I am now reading it all over again. Marley was unbelievable dog!
I cannot wait for The Longest Trip Home to come out. I look forward to reading about your childhood and growing up. I'm sure it will be as good as Marley & Me.
Hi Mr. Grogan,
like I said, I was read your book and I'm be back to say what I think about it! The book is wonderful! Like all the people, I cried and now I love Marley, you and all your family! I read and I funny and I went to give value to simple moments of life! I'm too excited for your next book "The longest Trip Home"! I not present myself very well on the last post: My name is Patricia, I have 23 years old, I live in Brazil (state - Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais) and now you are my best writer!!! My idolo!!! Thanks for your book! Add me in your msn if you have time we can talk about something some time:
patriciasillva@hotmail.com
PS: my English is not very good, excuse me!
Hello, John. I'm Brazilian, and my english is not very good... So.. Forgive me any mistake.
I'm here to tell you that I was very moved when reading Marley and me.
Your family is so beautiful!
Congratulations!
Sucess!
I'm your fan.
Beijos e Abraços!
Mariana Albuquerque
( marianamelo.albuquerque@gmail.com )
Hi John
I just discovered your blog on the net today and enjoyed reading it, as i am a dog lover too, and have two of my own. I'm ashamed to say i haven't read 'Marley and me' yet, but will hopefully get my hands on a braille copy of it soon.
I've been keeping a blog for almost a year, since i trained with my first guide dog:
http://jenny-theguidedogblog.blogspot.com
I just wanted to say hi and keep up the good work.
Jennifer
Mr Grogan, I have just finished reading Marley and Me for the SECOND time and what a pleasure Marley's story is. While I have never quite had a dog that had "challenges", I can tell you that pets with challenges can extend to any species! My experience has been with cats, which I have had many, and my own Marley was a black and white long haired cat named Elliott. After getting him declawed to stop him from damaging the furniture, imagine my surprise at finding that I had a cat that was a CHEWER also! That little rascal chewed my poor recliner to bits, not to mention eating anything that he could get his little paws on such as socks, nylons, plastic bags, straps to tops, you name it. He was a sweet oaf, but El Descructo was his surname. Your wonderful book has made me laugh and cry and the endearing, warm and witty way that you tell your story draws you in as a reader. In the past my very favorite author has been James Herriott, the veterinarian from Yorkshire(I think you would love his stories!) I have read his books since I was a child over and over again. Your charming writing style reminds me of him in the way that you tell the story with humor and how you poke fun at yourself as you tell the happenings of your early life and Marleys part in it. I will not part with my Marley book as I plan to read it over and over again through the years. Many congrats to you on your new book, may it do as well as Marley's story. Best wishes to you and your family.
Laura L Bellevue, Nebraska (Omaha)
To say that I loved Marley & Me would be an understatement.I grew up with a golden retriever and your book made me remeber the happy/ funny times with my dog Kasey. So Thank you for that. :)
I also was able to relate to your account of Emmaus. I grew up there. That drew me in. :)
Can't wait for your next book.
This post has been removed by the author.
HELLO JOHN GROGAN,
I'm brazilian and i don't speak english... and the only thing I say is congratulations on your book, it is fantastic!!!
.
.
"Marley e Eu"... Um livro que nos toca, emociona e consegue "arrancar" lágrimas dos nossos olhos; um dos melhores livros que já li até hoje. Mais uma vez, Parabéns pelo trabalho e pelo enorme número de vendas e leitores... abraços à Jenny e aos seus filhos...
"SUCCESS IN YOUR LIFE!!!"
Alo,Mr. Grogan! First of all excuse me for my English but anyway i belive that we will be able to comunicate. I finished you Marley and Me just after loose my cocker about one month ago and your Marley did help me to go further. I thank you (and him) for that! In fact de dogs (the reason is not found yet) adopted us, humans, to provid theirs existence, to give them a sheld, to feed them asking nothing in return except let them be our companions.
So, once again thank you for your book. José.
That sounds terrific-looking forward to it!
I don't know if you know this, but the Marley and Me trailer is one of the trailers shown before Mamma Mia. Can't wait to see the movie.
Hi John,
I am from Australia. My mother in law introduced me to your book Marley and Me just recently. I consider myself a voraciuos reader but of all the books that I have read, this one affected me most. I laughed at Marley's antics and cried when he started to get sick. I think I cried more than I laughed. I am not a dog person but Marley touched my heart. Such an incredible dog.
I am looking forward to your next book. I'm sure it will be as good as Marley and Me.
Dear John,
During several months I thought a lot if I'll read Marley and Me...
I love dogs so much (I have four!)and recently my oldest dog, Benji, 17 yars old passed away. God knows how I felt!
But, I decide to read e I have so much fun with Marley, especially in his training.
Today I have a Lhasa Apso, named Noah. His only 7 months, but like Marley, his a "little devil"!
Eat everthing but his special food! Everbody is his friend, even a thief, and break things is his favorite pastime.
But a love him even this litlle problems...
as you said, we spend a few money fixed the things his broke, but his love win our hearts. He´s a best friend who will always be there.
So, Marley made me laugh , cry and taught. I cant find words to thank you for letting me into Marley's world.
love,
Vânia
hi john im just saying that me and my mum really enjoied that book marley a dog like no other. at the end when he was put down i was crying my eyes out. and im only 9 but i know what it is like to have a dog like that i have a dog called honey she's a cocker spaniel she is very very very mad. thankyou for inspireing me yu have teached me that a dog isnt just a pet its part of the family and even tricky at first they can still have some good inside them thankyou ever so much again. seya jessica.b ps thankyou and keep writing your books there great
I'm looking forward to your next book! I just finished Marley & Me. There needs to be a disclaimer on the book, something to the effect of "Buy tissues when you buy the book, you'll need them!" I have never cried so hard at the end of a book in my life! But, my faithful dog, Bratwurst (yes...he's named after a sausage because he's a mini-dachshund) was there to dry up my tears! Thank you for writing with such honesty and pure love for your family and your beloved dog.
Hi John,
I just left my story on the share you story's section.
I literally have the last two chapters of "Marley & Me" to read, thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful life story with Marley it has been a great source of comfort for me.
It has taken me 3 days to read Marley & Me which is good for me as I run a home based child care and the only books I get to read are childrens books, which by the way I will be investing in the Marley children's books as well.
I am looking forward to seeing the movie Marley & Me.
I am also looking forward to reading your prequal "The Longest Trip Home". You are a fantasic Author so I cannot wait.
Best wishes and congratulations on your success.
Fiona from Ontario Canada
ciao john! spero che tu riesca a leggere questo messaggio e che riesca a capirlo! ero entrata in liberia 2 settimane fa e ho visto questo libro con questo adorabile cane in copertina e siccome adoro gli animali l'ho subito comprato! credo di non aver mai speso mai i soldi meglio di così riguardo i libri! l'ho divorato in pochi giorni e ora,dopo essermi commossa col tuo,mi hai aprerto ilcuore e sto leggendo altri libri simili in cui queste creature che spesso vengono maltrattate e abbandonate risultano la cura per bambini autistici,come il libro che sto leggendo ora,ma anche per donne rimaste sole! complimenti spero di avere una tua risposta! baci..claudia
Hi I live in Sweden and bought Marley and me(in swedish)before I left for vacation and couldn´t stop reading it!!I just love Marley,so full of life!!I have a dog of my own a jack russell terrier.Thank you for sharing these memories and stories about Marly and your family.And I cried and cried when Marley got sick and passed away.Once again thank you.
Dear Mr Grogan...Marley and You have inspired me to write of my departed yellow labrador. Peter was a ten year young working drug detection k-9 that i had the honor of knowing and working with for almost all of his ten years. His exploits, though much different than Marley's, could be worth publishing, and I plan to self publish this book. Would you consider reviewing this book for me? I am not a professional writer, only having written a coule of technical articles on the security industry. My background is US Army MP for 27 years and private security consultant and K-9 trainer since then. My email address is AIRLABS@AOL.COM if you feel that you may be interested in reviewing this writing, please contact me there. If not, I understand that your schedule is very busy, with the film coming out soon. God Bless Hank Nolin
Dear John,
I've just finished reading Marley&Me in portuguese :) I am astonished how could I read it so quickly on my daily trips in the subway, and lunch time. I strongly recomend every dog lover to read it, and specially I think every children should have a desastrous dog like Marley! It reminded my childhood, when I had a dog called Deluqui, he was run over by a car right in front of my house and eyes, in Brasil. Now, living in Spain, in a really small flat I have a wonderful and enormous and totally desastrous :)) female dog called Golfa. Some people didn't understand when I brought her home, living alone, working 8 hours a day and in such small house... I think you do!!! Thank you for such wonderful book. My best regards, Manuela
Just finished Marley & Me this morning. I must admit to shedding a tear or two..I rang my boyfriend who thought someone had died I was so hysterical. We have a cat we call our dog-cat mainly because he is more dog than cat. He is so affectionate and mischievious. He follows me EVERYWHERE and is always at the door when I get in from work ready to flop on his back for belly rubs. Reading about Marley reminded me of Jack (my cat) and I think that's why your book hit home so much.
Anyway, I absolutely loved your book. What a seriously amazing dog Marley was. You were so lucky to have each other. I cannot wait until 'The Longest Trip Home', comes out over here.
Good Luck with your next project whatever it may be and best wishes to you, your family and Gracie.
Sarah x
Hi, uf you read the histories in your site,you gonna remember me...
I am joalsses!!
I am a big fan of you,and I cry riding your book, and I want read these book!
bring this book to brazil!
lets talk:
joaoflesses@hotmail.com
please!
a hug from your friend
I also just finished Marley & Me, and didn't even know that you had a new book coming out. I don't have a dog, but picked up Marley & Me because I plan to get my first in the next month or so. During parts of the book, I thought I might be crazy for getting a dog when I will be living alone in a big apartment and my boyfriend who promises to help and love dogs works odd hours. But I'm still determined, maybe even more so, after reading Marley & Me. I can't wait for your next book as I think I will truly be able to relate as someone who also grew up in a strictly Catholic family and is now navigating early adulthood and all the confusion that can bring.
John, I am anxious to read your new book. I can relate to much of what you write.(perhaps I missed my calling??)Ha!
I have the books you have written thus far, and would love to get a signed book, but your never close enough to where I live! Regrettably.
I look forward to many more books to come from you...your style of writing is so inviting. Once I start to read, I don't want to put the book down!
Take care~
Janet D
Dear John,
I just finished your book, "The Longest Trip Home" that my husband, who had NEVER bought a book until Saturday when he bought this one for me gave me this book he bought to "surprise" me because I was too sick to go get a book myself. I LOVED this book as good as any book I have EVER read!!! I have laughed out loud, cried quietly & sobbed while reading this book & just HAVE to tell you it was AWESOME!! I got it Saturday late & just finished it a few minutes ago, Wednesday, 29 October 2008. Thanks for writing it.
Sincerely,
Delores Anderson
Hi John... I have just finished your book, 'Marley and Me', which I bought for my own for my twentieth birthday (juz yesterday ^^)
I have been a fan of books and dogs ever since I could remember... but as time goes not able to read your favourite books making me forget about those things. Especially after losing my dog... my dearest picco. I am making myself busy with uni assignments and exams.
As your children were not able to say their last goodbye... so were I.I was and still am studying out of my home country, in Sydney... only to know about the death after a week passed by. My mom was reluctant to tell me and my sis due to fear of not able to focus on our study. I cried alone in my room in Sydney while my sister's in another country.
I cried throughout my reading as the tape of memory re-played, my dog was not as ahyperctive as marley... he was the kindest and cleverest dog I ever know. Who have seen dog and cat could lie next to each other without wrestling... my dog would let the cat to get so close to him even shared his food. I missed him so much... his jumping my new white skirt... making me go back inside to change because of the mud he stamped on it.
I am looking forward for you new book... need to save money before buying (you know... poor uni student life ^^) as well as the movie.
And... hoping that you would have tour in Australia... Sydney probably... and I'll come (if I am still studying here)
Thank you for writing the story, John, it is the best attribute for all those lost their beloved dogs.
Hi John,I grew up Irish catholic in Detroit and attended Bishop Borgess, youngest of five. we had the rosary every monday night at our house with the neighbors.My first job out of UM was working at St Mary's with the crazy Polish priests, Fr Milewski, Fr. Mike, and Fr Joe Rybinski. What a trip!Fr. Dan O'Sullivan baptized our 4 kids. Same one in the book, I think.
Dear John: I read "Marley & Me" while I was being deployed to Kuwait in 2006-2007, and laughed and cried through the entire book. It is the one of the best books I have ever read. I say one of the best, because now I am in Iraq with the Michigan National Guard, and just finished reading "The Longest Trip Home." It was this book that really hit home with me. My Dad and I never saw eye to eye. He passed away 7 years ago and there were so many things left unsaid. While I was in Kuwait, my Mom who lived with me until that time, was put into a nursing home. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, and she passed away before I could get home. It will be 2 years on December 7, that she passed away. Just reading how you were with your Dad telling him the things wanted to say to him, and seeing your Mom with her white hair and Alzheimers in the nursing home brought back so many memories. I realized again just how precious life is and how little time we really have to tell our loved ones how much we love them. I sat on my bunk and wept,wishing I could go back in time to tell them how much I loved them. Thank you John, for 2 wonderful, heartfelt books. I can hardly wait to get back to Michigan and see my own yellow Lab, Gracie May. Once home, I hope I can meet you in person. Thanks again, Nancy Carson McCarski@Hotmail.com
Dear John: I read "Marley & Me" while I was being deployed to Kuwait in 2006-2007, and laughed and cried through the entire book. It is the one of the best books I have ever read. I say one of the best, because now I am in Iraq with the Michigan National Guard, and just finished reading "The Longest Trip Home." It was this book that really hit home with me. My Dad and I never saw eye to eye. He passed away 7 years ago and there were so many things left unsaid. While I was in Kuwait, my Mom who lived with me until that time, was put into a nursing home. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, and she passed away before I could get home. It will be 2 years on December 7, that she passed away. Just reading how you were with your Dad telling him the things wanted to say to him, and seeing your Mom with her white hair and Alzheimers in the nursing home brought back so many memories. I realized again just how precious life is and how little time we really have to tell our loved ones how much we love them. I sat on my bunk and wept,wishing I could go back in time to tell them how much I loved them. Thank you John, for 2 wonderful, heartfelt books. I can hardly wait to get back to Michigan and see my own yellow Lab, Gracie May. Once home, I hope I can meet you in person. Thanks again, Nancy Carson McCarski@Hotmail.com